South Florida teacher deported to Honduras after asylum denial

Wualner Sauceda, a former teacher from South Florida, was deported to Honduras on February 6. He was living in a rural area with no running water after applying for asylum in the United States. Sauceda was a science teacher at Palms Spring Middle School in Hialeah when he was detained in January. His asylum application was denied after a lengthy process, and he sought other legal ways to stay in the U.S. He had been checking in with immigration officials regularly. On January 7, he went to his appointment but was unexpectedly detained. This situation was emotionally difficult for him, as he had to call an uncle to inform his family. Now in Honduras, Sauceda lives with relatives. Their home lacks modern conveniences, and they depend on farming and a nearby river for water. Sauceda had moved to the U.S. as a teenager with his parents after fleeing violence in Honduras. He graduated from high school in South Florida and earned a degree in chemistry from Florida International University. Sauceda faced challenges during his college education due to his immigration status but eventually succeeded in becoming a teacher. His dreams were interrupted when he was detained and later deported. The experience of detention was traumatic, with crowded living conditions. Sauceda described his time in detention as shocking and difficult. Despite the hardships, he reflects on his journey with pride about his education and aspirations. More interviews about his experience will be shared by NBC6 in Miami next week.